Crafting A Wedding Gift Card: Creative Ideas And Tips

Wedding gift cards are a great way to let the newlyweds choose their gifts. They are also a perfect option when you are unable to attend the wedding in person. The most popular gift cards for weddings include Visa, Amazon, Starbucks, Airbnb, Spotify, eBay, and Home Depot gift cards. When it comes to the amount, anything between $50 to $1000 is considered appropriate, depending on your relationship with the couple and your finances. It is also important to add a heartfelt note to your gift card. If you are struggling with what to write, you can go for formal or casual wedding wishes, religious quotes, or even funny messages.

Choosing a gift card

When choosing a gift card as a wedding present, it's important to consider the couple's interests. Do they love to shop, travel, or eat out? Are they movie buffs or video game enthusiasts? By selecting a gift card that aligns with their hobbies and passions, you can make your gift more meaningful and personalised. Here are some popular options:

• Visa gift cards: These are extremely versatile as they can be used at a wide range of merchants, including Walmart, Amazon, Target, and Nordstrom. They are perfect for couples who enjoy shopping or dining out.
• Amazon gift cards: Amazon offers a vast selection of consumer goods, from electronics to fashion and home improvement items. This option provides the couple with a wide range of choices.
• Airbnb gift cards: For couples who love to travel, an Airbnb gift card is a great choice. It allows them to book accommodations and experiences worldwide.
• Starbucks gift cards: A Starbucks gift card is ideal for coffee enthusiasts, as it covers beverages, pastries, and snacks from the popular coffee chain.
• Spotify gift cards: Music and podcast lovers will appreciate a Spotify gift card, which provides access to millions of audio tracks and podcasts.
• Home Depot gift cards: For couples interested in home improvement or decor, a Home Depot gift card is a perfect fit. They can purchase furniture, appliances, and decorations to personalise their living space.

When selecting a gift card, it's also important to consider the amount you wish to give. A general guideline is to offer between $50 and $1000, depending on your relationship with the couple and your financial situation. Additionally, don't forget to attach a personalised note or card to your gift, expressing your well wishes for their new journey together.

Adding a personal note

Make it Personal and Unique

It's important to add a personal touch to your wedding card, especially if you're giving a monetary gift. Planner Elizabeth Priya Kumar advises, "Getting creative and adding a layer of sentimental value is what will separate this everyday universal gift into being one that is personal and unique." Think about the couple's love story and how you can express your support for their future together. Share a memory involving the couple or a funny anecdote. This will make your message more intimate and special.

Avoid Generic Messages

While it's fine to include a pre-written message from the card, don't make it the only thing in your card. Myka Meier, the founder of Beaumont Etiquette, suggests adding a personal note: "Never just sign your name under a Hallmark message. If you're short on words, say that in your writing. Try: 'I found this card, and these words were exactly how I felt.' That gives added emphasis to the card itself."

Address it to Both Members of the Couple

It's important to make sure your message is relevant to both the bride and the groom. Meier advises, "If you know the bride, don't make the mistake of addressing something very personal to just her... Now that she is married, the contents of the card should be relevant to both of the newlyweds." This shows your respect for their union and ensures that your message is inclusive.

Offer Marriage Advice or Well-Wishes

You can include inspirational or humorous marriage advice in your message. This could be something like, "Love, honour, and... scrub the toilet!" or "It's time for you to eat, drink and finally be married!" You could also offer well-wishes for their future, such as "Wishing you a lifetime of wedded bliss!" or "Your future together is so bright." These types of messages will add a warm and positive sentiment to your card.

Include a Religious Message

If the couple is religious, you may want to include a religious message or bible verse in your card. Some examples include, "May your marriage be blessed, always!" and "Love is patient, love is kind... Love never fails." (1 Corinthians 13:4-13). Make sure to consider the couple's beliefs and practices and customize the message accordingly.

Remember, the most important thing is to write from the heart. Whether you choose to be formal, casual, funny, or religious, your personal note will add a special touch to your wedding gift.

Selecting an appropriate amount

• Close friends or family members: $150 or more.
• Friends or relatives: $100 to $125.
• Coworkers, distant friends/relatives, or acquaintances: $50 to $100.

You can also adjust the amount based on your budget and the cost of attending the wedding, including travel and accommodation expenses. If your budget is tight, it's perfectly acceptable to give a smaller gift or buy something from the registry instead. Remember, there is no minimum or maximum amount, and you should give what you can comfortably afford.

If you are giving cash, it is generally advised to start at $100 and adjust upwards depending on your relationship and budget. You can also get creative with how you give cash, such as sending it virtually, giving a gift card, or contributing to a specific fund like a honeymoon or house fund.

Additionally, if you are bringing a date to the wedding, it is considerate to increase the gift amount slightly to account for the additional person.

Finally, don't forget that a thoughtful and heartfelt card can also go a long way in showing your support and congratulations to the happy couple.

Knowing what to write

General Tips

• Make sure your message is not generic. Avoid simply signing your name under a generic message. If you're struggling for words, you can say something like, "I found this card, and these words were exactly how I felt."
• Be careful with humour. Sarcasm can be hard to convey in writing, so avoid sensitive topics and divorce jokes.
• The better you know the couple, the more personal the card can be. Consider including a shared memory or inside joke.
• If you are giving a monetary gift, consider giving a cheque instead of cash so that it can be tracked if it gets lost.
• If you can't attend the wedding, you can still send a card anytime between receiving the invitation and a few weeks after the wedding.

Examples

Formal Wedding Wishes

"Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness."

"May your joining together bring you more happiness than you can imagine."

"May your love burn brighter every day as you grow in love."

"May your special union bring unbelievable joy to your life."

"May the years ahead be filled with lasting love and happiness."

"May today be the beginning of a new tomorrow that you will cherish forever."

"Wishing you nothing but a lifetime of love."

"May this day be the start of forever for you two."

"May your love continue to thrive to infinity and beyond."

"Wishing you a lifetime of wedded bliss."

"May your love grow stronger each and every passing year."

"Thank you for letting us share in your special day. We wish you all the happiness in the world."

Deciding on a sign-off

• “Lots of love to you both”
• “Wishing you all the best”
• “Cheers to your happily ever after”
• “XOXO”
• “Elated for you”
• “Over the moon for you”
• “Madly in love with you two”
• “Best wishes”
• “With love”
• “Congratulations”
• “Warmest wishes”
• “Hugs and kisses”
• “Love always”
• “Joy and happiness”
• “Cheers to a wonderful future”
• “All our love”
• “Lots of love and hugs”

Remember, the most important thing is to write from the heart and tailor your message to the couple and your relationship with them. Whether you choose a formal, casual, funny, or inspirational tone, let your true sentiments shine through.

Frequently asked questions